"The U.S. and Central Europe share many of the same energy goals including greater energy efficiency, use of clean and reliable energy supplies, and expanded energy infrastructure," Secretary Bodman said. "This meeting provided a unique opportunity to discuss strategies to enhance Central Europe's regional energy security."

Secretary Bodman encouraged the energy ministers to increase regional energy security by diversifying the source and type of energy on which they rely, enhancing energy efficiency, reforming electricity and gas markets, regional integration, and clean energy technologies including clean coal and renewables. They also discussed regional and global cooperation on expanding and strengthening energy infrastructure.

During his discussions, Secretary Bodman highlighted the importance of developing liquefied natural gas import capabilities and expressed support for their efforts to bring Eurasian gas to Central and Eastern Europe. Secretary Bodman also encouraged the nations to continue dialogues with neighboring countries and the European Union on a wide range of energy issues.

Secretary Bodman's visit to Hungary wraps up a five-day, four-country trip, where he traveled to Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Russia to promote global energy security and greater international cooperation on energy issues.